network printing

[pcg79]

Hi

Having recently got a router, the need for the 'server' machine was cut out. unfortunately, the server was also home to apache (which is now part time) and our printer. so now we want to buy a network printer / print server that will let us print without having a dependant computer.

obviously being a home user the budget is going to be a bit tight (around £150-£200 plz), but i was looking at the deskjet 6127 which looks quite reasonable (£150) but ive read a review (customer) which said the print quality was [censored] etc. are there no alternatives? business printers from hp seem NOT to include a network print server which imo is quite retarded. unless im missing something. how about from other brands?

we do have atm a hp 959c and its ok - im not really sure how it compares on print quality and stuff, but it works.

so what would be best ? (taking into account print quality as well as price; also bearing in mind that i do like new toys so a whole new printer would be most fun )

cheers !

 

[(Shovel)]

I can't name one right now, but could you not get a standalone print server that you can plug your existing printer into? Surely such things exist?

I'll have a little hunt around for you when I can find the time, though I'm not at home right now, so it may have to wait until monday.

Is the router a standalone recycled PC? If so, it's probably possible to add a linux print server to that, if the spec is high enough?

 

[lovedaddy]

can you not just switch on the machine and save yourself the money?

CUPS and LPD are both good solutions to printing on a linux machine.

 

[pcg79]

no its a proper router

and yes could probably just turn on the pc but thats hassle when you just want to print out one side of A4

there are print servers but.. i havent really looked into it

 

[Deadmanwalking]

A standalone print server box is prob your best bet if you already have a printer that does what you need.

Prices and info from ebuyer as thats first off the top of my head.

Linksys

netgear

Those are 2 half decent ones by all accounts. I did have the linksys one v1 of it anyway and it does what it's meant to and easy to set up.

They just plug straight into the back of your printer (Directly or by cable) and the other end is just a standard cat 5 socket for connection to router/server.